Adopting A Pet With Kids
Is your child asking to start the new year with a new pet?
If you are thinking about a new pet for your kids this year there are certain things that need to be considered. Often the excitement and the immediate attraction between a pet and a child combined with our desire as parents to give our kids everything they want can cause certain things to be overlooked. It’s very important not to overlook these things.
We’re talking about the reality of having a pet. You need to carefully consider the day-to-day care of the pet including feeding and walking or exercise, training the pet and the expense of trips to the vet for regular vaccinations, health checks, illness or accidents. As well as the inconveniences and extra expenses that will be added surrounding travel and family vacations.
There is a huge plus side to pet ownership, and your children will learn valuable skills that will carry over into their everyday lives as they grow up but the entire family should go into the process with their eyes wide open. A pet is for life so the whole family should be onboard for a 10-15 year commitment.
The Special Relationship Between Pets and Kids
Pets offer a special kind of companionship that kids seem to instinctively know they won't be able to find anywhere else. Not only do animals love unconditionally, but they are always ready to listen without judgment. So, when things are tough at home or at school, kids may have a friend to lean on emotionally. The bond kids have with their pets can lead to less stress and build empathy and kindness, alleviate loneliness, promote physical activity, and teach responsibility.
We found a great article from the American Academy Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) that we felt offered additional insight into the benefits of pet ownership.
Caring For Your Pet Guidelines From AACAP
Taking care of a pet can help children develop social skills. However, certain guidelines apply:
Since very young children (under the age of 3-4 years) do not have the maturity to control their aggressive and angry impulses, they should be always monitored with pets.
Young children (under 10 years) are unable to care for a large animal, a cat or a dog, on their own.
Parents must oversee the pet's care even if they believe their child is old enough to care for a pet.
If children become lax in caring for a pet, parents may have to take over the responsibility.
Children should be reminded in a gentle, not scolding way, that animals, like people, need food, water and exercise.
If a child continues to neglect a pet, a new home may have to be found for the animal.
Parents serve as role models. Children learn responsible pet ownership by observing their parents' behavior.
Advantages of Pet Ownership
Children raised with pets show many benefits. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy. Pets can serve different purposes for children:
They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts--children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed animals.
They provide lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death and bereavement.
They can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.
They provide a connection to nature.
They can teach respect for other living things.
Other physical and emotional needs fulfilled by pet ownership include:
Physical activity.
Comfort contact.
Love, loyalty and affection.
Experience with loss if a pet is lost or dies.
Does A Pet Work with Your Family?
Is all the lobbying and pressure from your kids to get a pet going to pay off? Will all that added responsibility will really be worth the time and effort? While pet ownership should not be taken lightly, we feel there are so many happy pluses. A healthcare provider or veterinarian might give you more answers - especially to questions you might not have thought of. You should discuss your specific circumstances including any health concerns, time limitations and your environment before adopting a pet. Choosing the right pet suited for your situation is essential for a happy and loving environment for the whole family.
On a serious note, the AACAP feels that we can’t always assume that gentle children will always be gentle. Situations can become emotionally charged and while most children are gentle, there are those that can become aggressive and sometimes overly rough. We also need to be aware and vigilant with those that cross the line into abusive behavior which may be a sign of deeper and significant emotional problems. In those cases, a comprehensive evaluation should be done by a professional like an adolescent psychiatrist or behavioralist.
All in all, as pet advocates, we feel that pets usually add to an individual or family’s happiness. Make sure it works for your household, and choose your pet for life!